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Complete Guide to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) in 2026

Singapore Changi Airport has won the Skytrax World's Best Airport award 12 times, and honestly, after more transits here than I can count, I get it. The accolade sounds like marketing until you step off the jet bridge and notice the terminal smells faintly of orchids, the WiFi connected before you lowered your phone, and there's a butterfly garden around the corner. Changi (IATA: SIN, ICAO: WSSS) handles 68.3 million passengers a year across four terminals and the Jewel complex, and somehow none of it ever feels rushed.

The airport sits 20 kilometers east of downtown, connected by MRT, bus, taxi, and shuttle. Three runways handle flights from over 100 airlines reaching 400+ destinations. Immigration is famously quick — automated lanes get most nationalities through in under 10 minutes. But the real magic is that Changi makes you want to arrive early and stay late. Rooftop gardens, a 40-meter indoor waterfall, free movie theaters running all night, a four-story slide, and restaurants that hold their own in food-obsessed Singapore — this airport is a destination in its own right.

This guide covers every terminal, all the transport options, the restaurants worth your time, lounge access strategies, layover planning by the hour, hotels for every budget, parking logistics, and tips you only pick up from people who know the place inside out.

Terminal-by-Terminal Guide

One of the first things people ask me about Changi is which terminal they'll be in, and whether it matters. Short answer: yes, but not as much as you'd think. Changi has four terminals plus the Jewel complex, and three are connected by a free Skytrain monorail running 24 hours with trains every 2-4 minutes. Terminal 4 is the odd one out — physically separate, only reachable by shuttle bus. If you're connecting through T4, budget at least 25 minutes.

Terminal 1 — The Renovated Original

T1 is the oldest terminal but renovated so thoroughly you'd never guess. What makes it special is the direct pedestrian bridge to Jewel on the arrival level — the best departure terminal if you want to explore Jewel before your flight. Key airlines: Qantas, Japan Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Air India, and several Middle Eastern carriers.

The rooftop Cactus Garden is a lovely surprise — an open-air terrace with desert plants and a small lily pond, tucked above the departure gates where most people never look. I like going up there during evening departures when the light gets soft. Near Gate C, the Geylang Serai Heritage Gallery is a thoughtful exhibit on Malay culture that most passengers walk right past. T1 also houses the dnata Lounge and the excellent Qantas Singapore Lounge.

T1's weakness is the boarding gate area during peak evening departures. When multiple wide-body flights push back in the same hour, seating near the C gates fills fast. Grab food early and claim a seat before the rush.

Terminal 2 — The Mid-Range Workhorse

T2 handles a big chunk of Star Alliance traffic plus regional carriers. Singapore Airlines uses it for many medium-haul routes alongside Scoot, Air China, All Nippon Airways, and several Indian carriers.

The rooftop Sunflower Garden is T2's signature — real sunflowers on an airport roof, open around the clock, free. I thought it sounded gimmicky until I stood there at sunset with a coffee, watching planes taxi below, genuinely not wanting to leave. The entertainment deck has retro arcades and free PlayStation consoles, and the 24-hour movie theater screens fairly recent releases in properly comfortable seats.

Heads up for 2026: T2 is undergoing a major expansion. Parts are walled off, walking routes are longer, some shops have relocated. Core facilities remain open but the construction can disorient you. Pull up the iChangi app for current maps.

Terminal 3 — The Best Terminal

I'll say it outright: T3 is the best terminal at Changi and one of the finest in the world. Singapore Airlines runs most long-haul flights here, including A380 services. Lufthansa, SWISS, Emirates, Etihad, and Turkish Airlines also call T3 home.

Everything feels a notch above. Soaring ceilings, natural light through the glass roof, and the highest concentration of premium facilities. The Butterfly Garden — a two-story tropical enclosure with over 1,000 live butterflies and a six-meter grotto waterfall — is free, open 24 hours, and walking through it at 2 AM with the place to yourself is honestly the best free activity in any airport worldwide. The Slide @ T3 is a four-story spiral slide, free with SGD 10+ in T3 receipts. The SilverKris Lounge and The Private Room are both here.

Singapore Food Street, the airport's best food court by a mile, sits in T3's transit area. Crystal Jade Kitchen too. If your boarding pass says T3, you've hit the jackpot. If not, the Skytrain ride takes four minutes.

Terminal 4 — The Compact Outlier

T4 opened in 2017 with a different approach: smaller, heavily automated, designed for efficiency over spectacle. Self-service check-in, automated bag drop, biometric gates. Airlines include AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, Cathay Pacific, Korean Air, and Vietnam Airlines.

The real gem is the Heritage Zone — Peranakan shophouse facades with multimedia displays and period details in the transit area. One of the best cultural installations I've seen in any airport, and the irony is that most passengers rush right past. Don't make that mistake. Give it fifteen minutes.

T4's drawback is isolation. No Skytrain means shuttle bus only (every 7-8 minutes), and with walking and waiting, T4 transfers eat up 15-25 minutes.

Jewel Changi Airport — The Destination Within the Airport

Jewel is the 10-story glass-domed complex that opened in 2019 and immediately became one of Singapore's top attractions. Connected to T1 by pedestrian bridge, reachable from T2 and T3 by linkways. The centerpiece — the HSBC Rain Vortex, a 40-meter indoor waterfall — is impressive by day and extraordinary during the nighttime light-and-sound shows (7:30 PM and 8:30 PM). I've seen it dozens of times and it still stops me.

Level 5 houses Canopy Park: mirror maze, hedge maze, bouncing nets, walking nets, topiary walk. Individual attractions ~SGD 5; bundle pass SGD 24. The bouncing nets are the highlight — I've watched skeptical adults leave with massive grins.

Below that, five floors hold 280+ shops, an IMAX cinema, the Pokémon Center Singapore, and dozens of restaurants. Jewel is landside, so transit passengers must clear immigration to visit and re-enter through security. Doable with 3+ hours, comfortable with 4+.

Getting To and From the City

One of Changi's quiet strengths is how easy it is to reach downtown. Singapore is tiny, the airport is well-connected, and you've got four solid options with different trade-offs.

MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)

The East-West Line connects Changi directly to the city center from the basement between T2 and T3. Key times: Paya Lebar (20 min), Bugis (27 min), City Hall (30 min), Raffles Place (32 min). About SGD 2.20 with an EZ-Link card. Trains run 5:31 AM to 11:18 PM.

The clear winner for solo travelers heading near a station. Cheap, predictable, air-conditioned, no traffic. The only downside is luggage — hauling big bags through station transfers gets old fast. I'll take a Grab any time I'm carrying more than a backpack.

Public Bus

Bus 36 runs to the city via East Coast and Orchard Road. Under SGD 2, but 60-75 minutes. Only makes sense for east coast destinations — Marine Parade, Katong, Joo Chiat. For city center, the MRT beats it on every metric.

Taxi and Grab (Ride-Hailing)

Taxis queue outside each arrival hall. Metered fares to the CBD: SGD 25-45 depending on timing. Surcharges stack: SGD 5 airport surcharge on weekday evenings and weekends, 50% midnight surcharge (midnight-6 AM), 25% peak surcharge (6-9:30 AM, 6 PM-midnight). A SGD 25 Tuesday afternoon ride becomes SGD 40 on Friday night.

Grab is widely used and often cheaper off-peak — GrabCar to CBD typically SGD 20-35. Download the app before landing. Best for groups, heavy luggage, or late-night arrivals when the MRT isn't running.

Airport Shuttle

Shared shuttles to Marina Bay, Orchard Road, Bugis, and Sentosa: SGD 9-12 per adult, 30-60+ minutes with multiple hotel stops. Cheaper than a taxi, easier than the MRT with luggage, slower than both.

TransportCost to CBDTimeHoursBest For
MRTSGD 2.2030-35 min5:30 AM - 11:18 PMSolo travelers, city center
Bus #36Under SGD 260-75 min6 AM - midnightEast coast destinations
TaxiSGD 25-4520-30 min24 hoursGroups, heavy luggage, late night
GrabSGD 20-3520-30 min24 hoursBudget-conscious groups
ShuttleSGD 9-1230-60 minLimited scheduleSolo + luggage, off-MRT hotels

Where to Eat

Singapore is one of the great food cities on earth, and Changi does a surprisingly good job of representing it. Prices run 20-40% above street level — modest by airport standards. A few places are good enough that I'd seek them out even if they weren't in an airport.

Best Sit-Down Restaurants

Crystal Jade Kitchen (T3, transit) is my go-to. The xiao long bao are properly made — thin skins, piping hot broth, bamboo steamers done right. The la mian are just as good. Short wait at lunch but it moves fast. SGD 18-30 per person.

Paradise Dynasty (Jewel, landside) does the famous eight-colored xiao long bao — each dumpling a different flavor: original, ginseng, garlic, cheese, Szechuan, foie gras, black truffle, crab roe. Slightly touristy but genuinely high quality. The dan dan noodles fly under the radar and shouldn't. SGD 20-35.

Peach Garden Noodle House (T1, transit) — Cantonese noodle soups, congee, roast meats. The wonton noodle soup is exactly what you want after a 12-hour flight. Quieter than Crystal Jade, faster seating. SGD 15-25.

Quick Bites and Food Courts

Singapore Food Street (T3, transit) is the single best place to eat Singaporean food in the airport. The space recreates a 1960s street food market with tiled floors, vintage signage, and hawker stalls. Get the laksa. Get the char kway teow. Get the Hainanese chicken rice. Prices are SGD 8-14 rather than the SGD 4-6 at Maxwell Food Centre, but quality is solid and convenience unbeatable. If you eat one meal at Changi, eat it here.

Cafes and Bars

Harry's Bar (T1 and T3) — cold beer, burger, live sports, open late. Tuk Tuk Cha (T2) does Thai milk tea — ask for less sugar. For coffee actually worth drinking, % Arabica in Jewel Level 1 makes a pour-over that puts every airport Starbucks to shame.

Budget Eating Tips

Here's the insider tip most guides miss: the Staff Canteen in T1 Basement 1 is open to the public. Proper local food — nasi lemak, economy rice, noodle soups — at actual Singapore prices: SGD 5-7 per meal. Fluorescent-lit cafeteria ambiance, but the food is honest and the savings huge. The nasi lemak is my go-to order. Ask any airport employee for directions.

Other budget moves: 7-Eleven stores in transit areas have retail prices, filtered water stations are everywhere, and Jewel's basement food hall has city-level pricing. Skip the Western chains — full airport premiums for food you can get anywhere. You're in Singapore. Eat Singaporean food. Browse more on our Changi Airport restaurants page.

Once you've eaten your way through Changi's food scene, you might want somewhere comfortable to digest — and the lounges here don't disappoint.

Airport Lounges

Changi has about 10 lounges, and quality varies wildly — from a world-class private dining club to forgettable rooms with sad sandwiches. Your options depend on airline, ticket class, and loyalty status.

Singapore Airlines The Private Room (T3)

This is not a lounge — it's a private dining club inside an airport. Reserved for SQ Suites and First Class only. A la carte meals to order, vintage champagnes, personal service, partitioned seating areas. Food quality rivals a good Singapore restaurant. If you ever get access, cancel your dinner reservation in the city.

Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge (T2 and T3)

SQ's business class lounge, also open to Star Alliance Gold. The T3 location is meaningfully better — larger, recently refreshed, wider hot buffet with laksa and local dishes, clean showers. T2 feels dated by comparison. If you have a choice, go T3.

Qantas Singapore Lounge (T1)

Possibly the most underrated lounge at Changi. The Neil Perry food program goes beyond typical fare — proper salads, grilled dishes, and a salt and pepper squid people rearrange connections to eat. I completely understand why. Full bar with Australian wines. Open to QF business class and oneworld Sapphire/Emerald. If you hold oneworld status flying economy, this lounge alone justifies arriving early.

Plaza Premium Lounge (T1)

Best walk-in option for economy passengers without memberships. About SGD 60-75 for two hours with hot food, showers, and quiet working areas. The food won't impress lounge regulars, but the showers alone are worth the money after a 12-hour overnight flight. Walking onto your next plane feeling clean and human is priceless.

SATS Premier Lounge (T1, T2, T3)

The most common Priority Pass lounge at Changi. T3 is strongest — recently refreshed, reasonable food, manageable weekday crowds. T2 gets uncomfortably packed during evening departures. If you have Priority Pass and flexibility, head to T3.

Other Lounges

dnata Lounge (T1) — Priority Pass, smaller but less crowded than SATS. Ambassador Transit Lounge (T2, T3) — pay-per-use with showers (~SGD 15) and rest sessions (~SGD 20-30), useful for freshening up without a hotel room. Marhaba Lounge (T3) and TIA Lounge (T1) — mid-tier pay-per-use. Functional. Forgettable.

LoungeTerminalAccessShowersFood RatingHighlight
SQ The Private RoomT3SQ Suites/First onlyYesExceptionalA la carte fine dining
SQ SilverKrisT2, T3SQ Biz / Star Alliance GoldYesVery goodLocal dishes + laksa
Qantas LoungeT1QF Biz / oneworld statusYesExcellentNeil Perry menu
Plaza PremiumT1Walk-in SGD 60-75YesGoodBest walk-in option
SATS PremierT1, T2, T3Priority Pass + othersNoAverageWide availability
dnata LoungeT1Priority PassNoBasicLess crowded
Ambassador TransitT2, T3Walk-in from SGD 15YesBasicShower + rest combos

Things to Do During a Layover

Most airports make a layover feel like something to survive. Changi makes it something to look forward to. I've had layovers here where I wished my connection was longer — a sentence I can't write about many places.

Under 3 Hours

Stay airside and explore your departure terminal. The Butterfly Garden in T3 is free, open 24 hours, and 15 minutes in there does something genuinely restorative to your mood after a long flight. Catch a free movie in T2 or T3 (recent releases, proper seats), grab a plate at Singapore Food Street, wander through the rooftop gardens. The gaming corners have free consoles with surprisingly good chairs — I've lost track of time there more than once.

Departing from T1-T3 and feeling ambitious? Jewel is 10 minutes away. Quick loop to see the Rain Vortex: 25-30 minutes total. Tight, but doable if you resist the Pokémon Center.

3-6 Hours

Now you've got room to play. Start with Jewel — 30-45 minutes exploring the Rain Vortex from different levels, browsing, eating. Time it for the 7:30 or 8:30 PM light show if you can.

Grab a Canopy Park bundle pass (SGD 24) for the bouncing nets, mirror maze, and hedge maze. Great with kids, but I've done it solo and had a fantastic time. Ride The Slide @ T3 (free with SGD 10+ receipt). Back airside, hit the Butterfly Garden and treat yourself to a foot massage at the T3 spa (~SGD 40/30 min). Your feet will thank you for the next six hours of flying.

6+ Hours — Leave the Airport

Get out and see Singapore. Automated gates handle most passports in under a minute; gate to arrival hall takes 15-25 minutes. MRT to the city: 30 minutes.

My go-to quick itinerary: MRT to Bayfront. Marina Bay Sands observation deck or free ground-level areas. Gardens by the Bay — outdoor gardens free, Supertree light show at 7:45 and 8:45 PM. Merlion Park for the photo. Hainanese chicken rice at Lau Pa Sat or Maxwell Food Centre. MRT back. Total: 3-4 hours city-side, comfortable within a 6-hour layover.

Free Singapore Tour: Changi runs complimentary guided bus tours for transit passengers with 5.5+ hour layovers — Heritage Tour (Chinatown, Civic District) and City Sights Tour (Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay). Register early on changiairport.com; popular slots fill days in advance. A free guided tour of one of the world's great cities during a layover? That's what makes Changi special.

Free Activities Checklist

  • Butterfly Garden (T3) — 1,000+ live butterflies, open 24 hours, magical at 2 AM
  • Sunflower Garden (T2 rooftop) — real sunflowers, gorgeous at sunset
  • Cactus Garden (T1 rooftop) — desert plants, lily pond, surprisingly peaceful
  • Movie Theaters (T2 and T3) — free 24-hour screenings, recent releases
  • Gaming Corners (T2 and T3) — PlayStation, Xbox, free play
  • Rain Vortex (Jewel) — multiple viewing levels, mesmerizing
  • Heritage Zone (T4) — Peranakan shophouse recreation
  • The Slide @ T3 — free with SGD 10 spending receipt

Paid Activities Worth the Money

  • Canopy Park bundle (Jewel, SGD 24) — mirror maze, hedge maze, bouncing nets, walking nets. The nets are the highlight.
  • Swimming Pool (T1 rooftop, Aerotel, ~SGD 17-20) — rooftop pool and jacuzzi with runway views
  • Spa and massage (multiple terminals) — 30-min foot massage from ~SGD 40; T3 beats T1
  • IMAX cinema (Jewel) — standard prices, current releases
  • Pokémon Center Singapore (Jewel) — free to browse, impossible to leave empty-handed

After a full day exploring, you're going to need sleep. Good news: Changi has more sleeping options than almost any airport in the world.

Hotels and Sleep Options

Few airports take sleep as seriously as Changi. From free beanbag zones to a full-service hotel connected to the terminal, there's an option for every budget. The key question: do you need to stay airside?

Airside Hotels (No Immigration Required)

Ambassador Transit Hotel operates in T3 and T1, inside the transit area. Compact but proper rooms — bed, shower, desk, working AC. Minimum 6 hours from ~SGD 70. The T3 location is better: closer to the Butterfly Garden, less noise, slightly newer. Rooms go fast overnight, so book ahead. I've made the mistake of showing up at midnight without a reservation — twice — and learned my lesson both times.

Aerotel Singapore in Jewel Level 1 has airside access via a T1 linkway. The rooftop pool and jacuzzi are the draw — swimming laps on an airport roof between flights is deeply satisfying. From ~SGD 80 for 6 hours.

Landside Hotels (Immigration Required)

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport — connected to T3 by covered walkway (5 min walk). Soundproofed rooms where you forget you're at an airport, gym, two restaurants, pool. From ~SGD 280/night. I've stayed three times and slept better than at most city hotels.

YOTELAIR Singapore (Jewel Level 4) — cabin-style with motorized bed, rain shower, smart TV. From ~SGD 100/8 hours. Nice middle ground.

Village Hotel Changi — 5 min shuttle, from ~SGD 150/night, near Changi Village Hawker Centre with some of Singapore's best nasi lemak. Capri by Fraser — 10 min shuttle, apart-hotel with kitchenettes from ~SGD 170/night.

Budget Sleep Options

Changi is legendary among backpackers for free sleeping. The transit areas have designated rest zones with actual recliners, beanbags, and padded seating — not the hard plastic torture devices most airports provide. T3 near the Butterfly Garden is most comfortable; T1 near Gate C is quietest. Bring a travel blanket (none provided). Budget travelers specifically route through Changi for overnights because these rest areas are genuinely usable and cleaned regularly.

HotelLocationTypePrice FromImmigration?Highlight
Ambassador TransitT3, T1 (airside)Transit~SGD 70 / 6 hrsNoAirside convenience
Aerotel SingaporeJewel L1Transit / Landside~SGD 80 / 6 hrsOptionalRooftop pool
YOTELAIRJewel L4Cabin hotel~SGD 100 / 8 hrsYesSmart room design
Crowne PlazaConnected to T3Full-service~SGD 280 / nightYesSoundproofed rooms, pool
Village Hotel5 min shuttleMid-range~SGD 150 / nightYesNear hawker food
Capri by Fraser10 min shuttleApart-hotel~SGD 170 / nightYesKitchenette, long-stay

Parking at Changi Airport

Seven parking facilities serve the airport, all with contactless payment and license plate recognition.

  • T1, T2, T3 Multi-Storey Car Parks — direct terminal access. SGD 2-4 per half hour, capped ~SGD 40-50/day. Convenient but pricey beyond a day.
  • T4 Car Park — similar pricing, less crowded.
  • Jewel Car Park — 2,500+ spaces, validated with Jewel purchases.
  • Long-Term Lots — perimeter, SGD 20-30/day with free shuttle. Book online for discounts.
  • Premium Valet — T1 and T3, ~SGD 10-15 above standard.

During peak periods (Chinese New Year, school holidays), T3 and Jewel lots fill first. Arrive early or pre-book. Full details on our Changi Airport parking page.

Practical Information

The boring-but-essential details that become incredibly useful when you actually need them.

WiFi and Connectivity

Free, unlimited WiFi across all terminals and Jewel — connect to "#WiFi@Changi" with no registration or time limit. Speeds of 15-30 Mbps, enough for video calls and streaming. I've done multi-hour calls without a drop. Business centers in T1-T3 have ethernet ports.

Currency and ATMs

Singapore Dollar (SGD). ATMs from DBS, OCBC, UOB in every terminal. Airport exchange rates are worse than the city — withdraw SGD 50-100 from an ATM and let your bank handle conversion.

Luggage Storage

Left Baggage in all terminals; T3 basement is 24 hours. From ~SGD 10 per item per 24 hours. Oversized items accepted at higher rates. Book ahead during peak periods via changiairport.com.

Pharmacy and Medical

Guardian and Watsons in every terminal and Jewel. Raffles Medical walk-in clinic in T3. First aid rooms in T1 and T2.

Charging Stations

Free charging at nearly every gate area and rest zone — USB-A, USB-C, and universal outlets. Singapore uses the Type G plug (UK three-pin). Gate stations have universal ports, but lounge and hotel outlets are Type G only. Bring an adapter or ask lounge reception — they always have loaners.

SIM Cards

Tourist SIMs from Singtel, StarHub, M1 at arrival hall counters. From SGD 15-20 for 7 days with 100GB+ data. The Singtel hi!Tourist SIM is the most popular. Grab one before leaving arrivals — takes two minutes, dramatically cheaper than roaming.

Immigration Tips

Most nationalities use automated e-gates (30-60 seconds each). Plane to arrival hall: 15-25 minutes typically. Transit passengers don't clear immigration — follow transfer corridor signs. Exception: visiting Jewel requires exiting landside and re-entering through security.

Pro Tips from Frequent Travelers

Collected over years of Changi transits, each has saved me time, money, or frustration at least once. The stuff you figure out after your fifth or sixth visit — or by reading it here first.

  1. Download the iChangi app before you land. The iChangi app is genuinely one of the best airport apps out there — real-time flight tracking more reliable than departure boards, indoor maps that actually work, and a full directory with current hours. You can pre-book the free city tour and check lounge availability from it. Download before you leave home so you're not fumbling with App Store on airport WiFi.
  2. The Staff Canteen in T1 Basement is Changi's best-kept secret. SGD 5-7 for proper local food, open to the public, and almost nobody who isn't airport staff knows it exists. The nasi lemak is my go-to order every time — better than what some terminal restaurants charge triple for.
  3. Transit passengers can freely move between T1, T2, and T3. The Skytrain is entirely airside — no immigration. Eat at Singapore Food Street in T3, visit the Sunflower Garden in T2, depart from T1. Use this freedom instead of sitting at your gate.
  4. Book the free city tour before you fly. Popular slots fill days in advance during peak season. Check changiairport.com ahead of your trip and lock it in. I've seen disappointed travelers turned away at the desk because they waited too long.
  5. Visit the Butterfly Garden at 2 AM. During the day it's lovely but packed with families. At 2 AM you might have a thousand butterflies entirely to yourself in a warm, softly lit garden while the airport sleeps around you. I've made this a ritual on overnight layovers — one of the most surreal, peaceful experiences you can have in any airport.
  6. The GST refund adds up fast. Spend SGD 100+ at participating retailers and claim 9% back at eTRS kiosks. Takes 5 minutes. Do the claim before dropping checked bags — customs occasionally inspects items. I've saved a meaningful amount over multiple trips just by remembering to scan receipts.
  7. Match your lounge to your priority. Best food: Qantas T1. Most space: SilverKris T3. Best Priority Pass: SATS Premier T3. Best walk-in: Plaza Premium T1. A short Skytrain ride to the right lounge makes a big difference.
  8. Singapore outlets are Type G (UK three-pin). Gate charging stations have universal ports. Lounges and hotels are all Type G. Lounge reception desks keep loaner adapters — just ask. I've borrowed one every visit.
  9. Time your Jewel visit for the Rain Vortex light shows. The waterfall is spectacular all day, but the nighttime shows at 7:30 and 8:30 PM with colored projections and music are on another level. Best spot: Level 1, directly facing the base where you feel the mist.
  10. Don't skip the Heritage Zone in T4. Peranakan shophouse facades and multimedia displays — one of Changi's true hidden gems, carefully crafted, culturally rich, and almost always empty because everyone's rushing to their gate. Fifteen minutes is all it takes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I transfer between terminals at Changi Airport?

Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are connected by the free Skytrain monorail — 24 hours, trains every 2-4 minutes, about 4 minutes between any two terminals. The whole system is airside, no immigration needed. Terminal 4 requires a shuttle bus (every 7-8 minutes). Allow 5-10 minutes for T1/T2/T3 transfers, 20-25 minutes for anything involving T4.

Is Singapore Changi Airport open 24 hours?

Yes, and it's one of the few airports that genuinely feels alive at 3 AM. All four terminals operate around the clock with transit areas fully open — Butterfly Garden, movie theaters, gaming corners, rest zones. Some sit-down restaurants close between 11 PM and 6 AM, but 7-Eleven stays open all night. Jewel: 10 AM to 10 PM.

Can I visit Jewel Changi as a transit passenger?

Yes, though since Jewel is landside you need to clear departure immigration, visit, then re-enter through immigration and security. Round trip adds about 20-30 minutes. Feasible with 3 hours, comfortable with 4+. Keep boarding pass and passport handy for re-entry.

Can I leave the airport during a layover in Singapore?

Yes, and it's easier than you'd expect. Most nationalities — US, EU, UK, Australian, Canadian, Japanese, South Korean — get visa-free entry for 30 days. Immigration takes under 15 minutes with automated gates. A 4-hour layover lets you visit Marina Bay comfortably. With 5.5+ hours you qualify for the free guided tours. Singapore is one of the best layover cities because the airport-to-city round trip is so quick.

Where should I sleep during an overnight layover?

Airside: Ambassador Transit Hotel in T3 or T1 (~SGD 70/6 hrs) for compact proper rooms with showers. Aerotel in Jewel (~SGD 80/6 hrs) adds rooftop pool access. Free: rest zones with recliners and beanbags in all transit areas — T3 near the Butterfly Garden is most comfortable. Landside: Crowne Plaza connected to T3 (~SGD 280/night) with soundproofing good enough to forget where you are.

What is the cheapest way to get from Changi to downtown Singapore?

MRT to City Hall: SGD 2.20, 30-35 minutes. You need an EZ-Link or NETS FlashPay card (SGD 10 including SGD 5 stored value) from station machines or TransitLink counters. Bus 36 is under SGD 2 but takes 60-75 minutes and only works for east coast destinations.

Is there luggage storage at Changi Airport?

Yes — Left Baggage in T1, T2, and T3, with the main T3 facility open 24 hours. From ~SGD 10 per item per 24 hours. Oversized items accepted at higher rates. Book ahead during busy periods.

How fast is the WiFi at Changi Airport?

The free "#WiFi@Changi" delivers 15-30 Mbps — solid for video calls, streaming, and general browsing. No registration, no time limit, no payment. Full coverage across all terminals and Jewel, reliable even in crowded areas. One of the better airport WiFi experiences in the world.

What is the best terminal at Changi Airport?

Terminal 3, and it's not close. T3 has the Butterfly Garden, The Slide, Singapore Food Street, Crystal Jade Kitchen, the SilverKris and Private Room lounges, the most spacious gates, and the best rest zones. It's Singapore Airlines' primary long-haul terminal. T1 comes second for its Jewel connection and Qantas Lounge. T2 and T4 are perfectly fine, but T3 is in a different league.

How early should I arrive at Changi Airport for my flight?

International flights: 2.5-3 hours is standard. Changi is efficient enough that 2 hours works without checked bags. Add 30-60 minutes for lounge time, food, or Jewel. During Chinese New Year and school holidays, go with 3 hours. For T4 departures from another terminal, add 20-25 minutes for the shuttle.

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